HT Correspondent
SIVASAGAR, Dec 28: The 107th anniversary of the founding of Asam Sahitya Sabha, celebrated by the Sivasagar Jila Sahitya Sabha, unfolded as a grand affair at Sivasagar Boarding Field. The distinguished guest list included Governor Gulab Chand Kataria, cabinet ministers Ranoj Pegu and Jogen Mohan, MPs Topon Kumar Gogoi and Pabitra Margherita, Asam Sahitya Sabha presidents Dr Surjyakanta Hazarika, education adviser to the Government of Assam Dr Nani Gopal Mahanta, renowned novelist Jayanata Madhav Bora, and DC Sivasagar AV Yadav, among others.
Governor Kataria, attending as the chief guest, expressed gratitude to the erudite individuals of the state who dedicated themselves to establishing and preserving the legacy of Asam Sahitya Sabha over a century. He acknowledged the Sabha’s role in uniting the people of the region, acting as both an emotional and intellectual bridge with the mainland.
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Highlighting the importance of mother tongue in education, Governor Kataria commended the ongoing efforts by the government to create an environment conducive to learning the indigenous culture and language. He paid homage to literary stalwarts such as Trimurty Laksminath Bezbarua, Ananda Chandra Agarwala, Hemchandra Goswami, and Sankardev for their invaluable contributions in revitalising Assamese literature and providing a pan-Indian perspective.
During the gathering, Ranoj Pegu clarified the government’s stance on Assamese medium schools, highlighting that closures were limited to institutions with minimal enrollment. He explained the introduction of English medium for mathematics and science subjects in Assamese medium schools to strengthen proficiency in the second language. Pegu unveiled the souvenir ‘Smriti-prapat’.
Jayanata Madhav Bora, an Academy Award winner, raised concerns about the perceived threat to the Assamese language. He alleged the removal of Assamese from airport announcements in Assam and urged for its reinstatement. Topon Kumar Gogoi, MP, Jorhat, and president of the celebration committee, welcomed attendees, highlighting Sivasagar’s role as the cradle of Assamese literature and culture.
Pabitra Margherita, MP, Rajya Sabha, shared exciting developments, including the publication of a book on Lachit Borphukan in 23 languages, a dream project of chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. He announced financial contributions from various sources and advocated for renaming Dibrugarh Airport after Chaolung Sukapha.
Dr Surjyakanta Hazarika, Asam Sahitya Sabha president, Dr Nirupoma Mahanta, Sivasagar Jila Sahitya Sabha president, Dr Anil Saikia, former principal of Moran College, Inspector of Schools Devajyoti Gogoi, Sahityacharya Narendra Padun, and Jila Sahitya Sabha secretary Santosh Dutta were among the dignitaries present. The event witnessed over four thousand school children singing patriotic anthems, fostering a sense of unity and cultural pride.
